CROSSROADS OF AMERICA

SCOUT BAND NEWS

MAY / JUNE 2000

500 RACE DETAILS AND FINAL TOUR PREPARATIONS

500 RACE SUNDAY, MAY 28

The band AND flag corps will be marching in the pre-race pageant at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Sunday, May 28. Last year we had a total of 99 on the track playing or carrying a flag. This year we should have around 150 when we step off early Sunday morning. For those members who have been around for a while, the "routine" that has been in place hasn't changed much. For those new to the band or flag corps -- and as a reminder to those that don't quite remember the routine -- here is the schedule and what needs to be done to have an enjoyable time.

Marching rehearsals will take place during normal rehearsal times Sunday, May 7 and May 21. (There is no rehearsal on Mother's Day, May 14). Enclosed in this newsletter is a registration form to let us know of your intent to participate in the 500 race activities. We ask that ALL participants complete this information so that we will have it available on race day. We have five school buses reserved to take us to and from the track. THERE ARE NO PERSONAL VEHICLES ALLOWED IN THE ESCORT. To help defray the expense of the buses we require EACH person attending to purchase a ticket from Keith Hartzog the band's treasurer. The cost of the ticket is $10.00 and must be presented to board the bus. Besides the bus ride to and from the track you will receive a box lunch and a ticket in the infield Turn 4 seating area. No ticket -- no bus ride, lunch, a seat at the race or souvenir. Fill out the form enclosed (copy if you there are additional members going with you that have not received a newsletter.) Turn the form in WITH the $10.00 to Keith Hartzog at the rehearsals on May 7 or 21 or before departure on May 28. YOU WILL NEED A TICKET FROM KEITH TO GET ON THE BUS ON RACE DAY. For those who have met us on the westside, please have your forms and money ready to give to Keith when the buses arrive at the assembly area.

Meet at Camp Belzer NO LATER THAN 5:00 A.M. Sunday, May 28! Buses will leave from Camp Belzer at 5:30 a.m. to transport us to Builders Square where we will gather with the other bands to be escorted to the track. If you live on the west side of Indianapolis, you can arrange to meet us at Builders Square (I-65 and Lafayette Road). Be there by 6:00 a.m. and have money and permission slips ready when we arrive. One bus will be designated to return to Builders Square following the race.

If you are NOT returning with the band / flag corps following the race, you will need to have a SIGNED STATEMENT from your parent / guardian or you will not be permitted to leave. It is preferred that the person you are meeting picks you up at the bus area inside Gate 9 if possible.

Once we finish the pre-race parade you can change into casual clothes, pick up your lunch, race a ticket and enjoy the race. YOU MUST ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS HAVE A BUDDY WHEN YOU LEAVE THE BUS PARKING AREA. Report to the buses hour after the race is ended (a checkered flag, a red flag, rain out, etc.). We will return to Camp Belzer within 2 - 2 hours after the race.

RELAY FOR LIFE

The band will be participating again this year in the Hancock County American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life". This is a 24-hour walk-a-thon that draws 2-3,000 to celebrate the survivorship or remember lost loved ones to cancer.

The band will be performing Saturday, June 10 at 10:00 a.m.. Please arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. so we can get set up and warm up before our 45 minute portion of the program begins. This event is held at the Greenfield-Central High School football field. Take I-70 to the Greenfield exit (State Road 9) and go South. Turn right at first light (New Road) and travel west to Broadway (approximately 1 mile). Turn left on Broadway and continue south to the High School on right side. We will be finished and dismissed by 11:30 a.m.. We plan on wearing the Class B Tour uniform for this event (Tour T shirt, Scout Shorts and Scout Socks.)

RACE WEEKEND AT BELZER

Those that are interested can join our friends from Grand Rapids, Michigan as they join us for the 500 Race weekend. We will be at Camp Belzer Saturday, June 27 and have reserved the cabins and Gyro Center for a great weekend! Troop 250 will be arriving late Friday night on June 26 and we will need some folks to meet them and welcome them to Indianapolis. We will have a quick breakfast Saturday and the Troop will be going downtown to watch the parade. When they return, we plan to have some activities, and possibly have some swim time at Belzer. Arrangements are being made to have a pizza party at the gyro Center and then off to bed since it will be an early wake up call Sunday morning.

If you want to participate in this activity please contact Bob Wiker or Buddy McLaren at 356-9678 or Bill Schofield at 542-8057.

GREAT EFFORT FOR FUND RAISERS

Thanks to everyone who made our Pizza and Pie sales a huge success! We sold a total of 210 pizzas and 225 pies! Most of the money went into individuals personal accounts and a portion went to the band's general funds. Thanks to Sylvia Schofield, Ways and Means Chairman and Keith Hartzog, Treasurer for a great job.

COOKOUT ON THE CIRCLE

The Council's annual Cookout on the Circle will be Thursday, June 15 at noon. The Dixieland Band has been asked to play at this event during the lunch hour. Plan to arrive by 11:15 a.m. and we should be done by 1:00 P.M.. Call Tom O'Nan 255-6004 if you can make this event.

"USUAL" SUMMER ACTIVITIES CURTAILED

The band has had to decline the invitations of several events that we have enjoyed participating in the last few summers. The conflict has come up from the dates of the event and our tour dates. So you won't be wondering "What Happened" the list of offers made and declined are: The Homeplace Picnic in Carmel; Fishers Freedom Festival; a new event -- Carmel Fest; the Lawrence 4^th of July Parade; Anderson's Midnight Parade and Covington's July 4^th Parade. We will try and alleviate these conflicts during next year's tour as everyone in the band has enjoyed participating in these activities, and the sponsors of the events have been gracious in their support of the band.

KUDOS FOR THE MONTH

Buddy McLaren who achieved his Life rank in Troop 161. We understand Buddy is well on his way to finishing his Eagle rank.

Crystal Heitzman who was recognized at the Council Coordinated Meeting on April 18^th with the Venturing Leadership Award. Crystal is one of the first four recipients of this award in Crossroads Council.

Randy Auble who was recognized at the Tech Leadership Night on February 11^th. Randy is one of eleven Arsenal Technical High School Alumni members who were recognized for making notable contributions in a variety of fields since they graduated from High School.

Bob Wiker for coordinating the race weekend activities with Troop 250 from Grand Rapids Council, Michigan

2000 PHILMONT / SOUTHWESTERN TOUR UPDATES

TOUR SHIRTS AND HATS AVAILABLE

If you would like to purchase a Tour T shirt and hat, let Bill know by May 15^th. Shirts are $8.00 each and hats are $5.00 each. Shirts will be personalized with your name if you desire, just let Bill know at the time you place your order.

Those registered for the tour will be receiving five shirts and one hat as part of your tour package. These will be distributed at Shakedown on June 3^rd.

TOUR SHAKEDOWN

All participants are expected to be in attendance at the tour shakedown Saturday, June 3^rd. The shakedown will be held from 8:00 A.M. -- 4:00 P.M. at Warren Central High School Orchestra Room. Lunch will be provided. When you arrive for the shakedown, you will need the following: (1) your instrument (2) your medical form if it has not been submitted previously (3) final payments of tour fees. At the shakedown you will receive: (1) your tour shirts and hat (2) your Tour notebook (3) an opportunity to ask any last minute questions. If you are unable to attend the shakedown, please let Bill Schofield know as soon as possible (542-8057). If someone can come in to pick up your tour related items that would be appreciated.

During the day we will be doing the following:

Rehearsing the music that will be performed
Youth and Adults will receive Youth Protection training from a council representative
Reviewing the tour itinerary and answering any questions you might have
Identify your Class A uniform needs and assigning band uniform items to those individuals who need them.
Working with the Youth Leaders and their groups to establish a working relationship
Luggage restrictions and transport

If you have specific questions about the tour please write them down on paper and give them to Bill Schofield when you check in at the shakedown. During the tour review period, these questions can be addressed and everyone on the tour can benefit from the information.

"DRESS" REHEARSAL AND TRUCK LOADING

Tuesday, June 20 the band will hold a final rehearsal before departure on the tour. This will be at the Gyro Center at Camp Belzer at 7:00 P.M.. Plan to arrive early so we can get started promptly at 7:00 P.M.. Everyone who is going on tour, whether playing in the band or not we need to attend on the 20^th so last minute instructions and the loading of the equipment trucks can be accomplished.

Any items you are planning to have on the bus when we arrive in Denver (pillow, blanket, snacks, etc.) need to be brought to Belzer to be put on the truck. Also, your cot, sleeping bag, etc. should be brought at this time so they can be loaded. Your Class A Uniform should be brought to be included in the uniform box. To make the check-in and departure at the airport smooth, any bulky items should be brought to Belzer and placed in the truck. Keith Hartzog and his crew will be responsible for the loading of these vehicles.

We will try and get everything done as quickly as possible, but this will be the last opportunity to work out any problems before departure. This "dress" rehearsal worked well last year in preparing the band for its departure. Plan on being done by 9:30 if we get started on time and everyone works together.

FINAL RESERVATIONS BEING MADE MAY 22

Final reservations and room bookings will be made on May 22 (30 days before our departure). After that date NO REFUNDS OR CANCELLATIONS CAN BE MADE. If you are on the list then and a plane ticket is purchased in your name and room reservations are made, you will be expected to pay the full $500.00 tour fee. We are currently at 82 participants for the 2000 tour. If you have any questions about this please contact Bill Schofield as soon as possible (542-8057).

TOUR DEPARTURE / RETURN

Departure Saturday, June 24 will be at 6:25 A.M. on TWA Flight 223 Arrive by 4:00 A.M.

Return to Indianapolis will be Sunday, July 2 at 11:00 P.M. on TWA Flight 100.

MAY DATES

6 500 Mini Marathon -- report by 8:00 is to J & R Used Tires, 3519 West 10^th Street

7 1:00 P.M. Dixieland Band Rehearsal

2:00 P.M. Full Band Rehearsal (Marching)

Warren Central High School

14 NO REHEARSAL -- MOTHER'S DAY

19 7:00 P.M. Tour Committee Meets at Schofield's House

21 1:00 P.M. Dixieland Band Rehearsal

2:00 P.M. Full Band Rehearsal (Marching)

Warren Central High School

24 7:00 P.M. BBBC Board Meets Schofield's House

26-28 Weekend at Belzer / Michigan Group arrives Friday Night

28 500 RACE -- report to Camp Belzer by 5:00 A.M. in Class A Uniform

JUNE DATES

3 Tour Shakedown at Warren Central 8-4

4 1:00 P.M. Dixieland Band Rehearsal

2:00 P.M. Full Band Rehearsal (Marching)

Warren Central High School

10 Relay for Life Concert 10 a.m. Greenfield-Central High School

11 1:00 P.M. Dixieland Band Rehearsal

2:00 P.M. Full Band Rehearsal (Marching)

Warren Central High School

14 6:00 P.M. BBBC Board Meets / Picnic at Schofield's House

15 Cookout on Circle -- Dixieland performs

18 NO REHEARSAL -- FATHER'S DAY

20 7:00 P.M. Tour Rehearsal and load trucks -- Camp Belzer

22 Trucks / Buses depart for the tour

24 Philmont Tour begins -- arrive at Airport 4:00 A.M. Depart 6:25 A.M.

JULY DATES

2 Return from Tour

5 Trucks / Buses return from the tour

NO REHEARSALS19 7:00 P.M. BBBC Board Meeting Schofield's House

AUGUST 20 -- BAND PICNIC